Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| быть | bytʹ | [bɨtʲ] (narrow) [bɨt͡sʲ] (narrow) |
imperfective, present rare |
| явля́ться | javljátʹsja | imperfective |
The verb is used to declare that a subject and an object are identical or equivalent. In many cases, the use of быть is often omitted in Russian when referring to professions, nationalities or permanent characteristics.
Which one should you use?
While быть is the general verb for 'to be', явля́ться is a more formal, bureaucratic or scientific way to express that something 'is' or 'constitutes' something else.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present tense, the verb быть is usually omitted in Russian sentences when expressing identity or location. Its existence is implied. To express the future tense of 'to be', you must use the conjugated forms of быть, such as буду (I will be). The past tense of быть is formed by using the masculine был, feminine была, neuter было or plural были depending on the gender and number of the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
bytʹ
Did you know?
- The word быть shares a common ancestor with the Sanskrit word भू (bhū), meaning 'to be', linking Russian to the ancient languages of India.
- The past tense of быть functions more like an adjective than a verb, as it must change its ending to match the gender of the subject.
Examples in context
- Могу я там быть?Can I be there?Tatoeba #3438436 by odexed, translation #3327413 by CK
- Я хотел быть им.I wanted to be him.Tatoeba #4803442 by odexed, translation #3919513 by CH
- Я хочу быть дома.I want to be at home.Tatoeba #2494900 by odexed, translation #1121314 by cntrational
- Он является преподавателем.He is a teacher.
- Мы будем студентами.We will be students.
- Она врач.She is a doctor.
- Я русский.I am Russian.
- Книги находятся на полке.The books are on the shelf.
- Ваша комната находится на втором этаже.Your room is on the second floor.
- Он является хорошим другом.He is a good friend.
- Мы будем здесь.We will be here.
- Он не в курсе происходящего.He's not aware of what's happening.
- 3735 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Дмитрий and Екатерина are discussing a future professional role.
- Дмитрий DmitryТы хочешь быть врачом?Ty khochesh' byt' vrachom?Do you want to be a doctor?
- Екатерина EkaterinaДа, я хочу быть врачом.Da, ya khochu byt' vrachom.Yes, I want to be a doctor.
- Дмитрий DmitryЭто очень важная цель.Eto ochen' vazhnaya tsel'.That is a very important goal.
- Екатерина EkaterinaЯ буду стараться.Ya budu starat'sya.I will try hard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “be” translations and entries быть, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries быть, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
